Darien High School Principal Ellen Dunn notified parents of a “non-credible threat” that occurred after school hours on Tuesday. This follows a Staples High School student in Westport taken into custody Tuesday after he was overheard making a threat of violence and firearms were located at his home.

Below is Dunn’s email to Darien High School parents.

Dear Parents and Guardians:

I am emailing you this afternoon to prevent any false rumors from causing undue alarm. After school hours yesterday, a student shared with a DHS school counselor a rumor they overheard about another student threatening to harm classmates. As you know, we take all threats against our students, staff, and community very seriously and given the most recent tragedy in Florida, there is a heightened level of concern and vigilance.

We immediately contacted the Darien Police Department who thoroughly investigated the incident and determined that it was not a credible threat.

It is important that we continue to work together-students, family and faculty, and ask that you join us in reinforcing the message to students to share any questions or safety concerns they may have with an adult (in or out of school). We recognize and appreciate the student’s efforts who stepped forward in this instance.

Please know that the physical and emotional well-being of our students is our highest priority and that we are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, faculty, and staff at DHS.